Becoming an Advocate

General Information about Becoming an Advocate

Under the Legal Services (Scotland) Act 2010, the Court of Session is responsible for admitting persons to the public office of Advocate and for prescribing the criteria and procedure for admission.

The Court has delegated to the Faculty of Advocates responsibility for prescribing the criteria and procedure for admission. Any rules which the Faculty makes in that regard are subject to approval by the Lord President of the Court of Session.

Please see the pages below for more specific information on how to become an Advocate.

Timeline

There are a number of steps which must be taken prior to devilling: essentially, these are (i) matriculation as an Intrant; and (ii) satisfaction of all requirements set out in the Regulations, including passing the Faculty examinations (subject to the granting of any exemptions). Key dates to note in this regard are set out below.

Please note that there are slightly different pathways for (i) members of the Bars of England and Wales, and of Northern Ireland, and (ii) legal practitioners from other EU Member States.